Hearty Layered Pasta Bake
Indulge in this deliciously simple yet satisfying Hearty Layered Pasta Bake, a twist on classic lasagna that skips the fuss of traditional noodles. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends. By using lean ground beef or ground turkey, and vegetables like squash and mushrooms, you can customize it to suit your taste while packing in nutrients. The use of flavorful pasta sauce—think garlic and mushroom—elevates it beyond a typical casserole dish, while layers of creamy cottage cheese and melted cheese create a delightfully cheesy experience. Pair it with toasted garlic bread for a complete meal sure to warm your heart and home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 lb (browned and drained)
flavored pasta sauce
1 (20 ounce) can (your choice (garlic mushroom recommended))
curly pasta (or favorite shape)
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
egg
1 (beaten)
fat-free cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups (mixed with the egg)
grated cheese (e.g., 2% colby jack)
1/2 lb (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain the fat and rinse the meat under warm water if desired.
3
While the meat is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the curly pasta and cook according to package directions until just underdone. Drain and set aside.
4
In a medium bowl, combine the egg and fat-free cottage cheese. Mix until well blended and set aside.
5
Spray a 9x13-inch Pyrex dish with cooking spray. Pour a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
6
Layer half of the cooked pasta evenly on top of the sauce. Next, add the browned meat, followed by another thin layer of pasta sauce.
7
Spread the cottage cheese mixture over the meat layer, then top with the remaining pasta.
8
Pour the rest of the pasta sauce over the final layer of noodles. For a crispy texture, use a light hand with the sauce on top.
9
Sprinkle the grated cheese over the entire pasta bake.
10
Cover the dish with foil (to avoid excess browning), and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted to your liking.
11
For leftovers, consider dividing the recipe to make two bakes: enjoy one fresh and freeze the other for a quick meal down the road.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Layered Pasta Bake?
It is a simple and satisfying twist on classic lasagna that uses curly pasta and cottage cheese to create a hearty, comforting meal.
What meat can I use in this recipe?
You can use one pound of lean ground beef or ground turkey.
How should I prepare the meat?
The meat should be browned in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and then drained of excess fat.
Is it necessary to rinse the meat?
Rinsing the meat under warm water after browning is optional but can help reduce the fat content further.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe suggests curly pasta, but you can use your favorite shape like rotini or penne.
How should the pasta be cooked before baking?
Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions but drain it while it is still just underdone.
What oven temperature is needed?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Why is an egg used in the cottage cheese mixture?
The egg acts as a binder, helping the cottage cheese layer set and stay creamy during baking.
What kind of cottage cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of fat-free cottage cheese mixed with one beaten egg.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish?
Spray a 9x13-inch Pyrex dish with cooking spray and apply a thin layer of pasta sauce to the bottom before adding noodles.
What kind of pasta sauce works best?
A flavored pasta sauce, such as garlic and mushroom, is recommended for the best taste.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer half the pasta, then meat, then sauce, followed by the cottage cheese mixture, the remaining pasta, more sauce, and finally the grated cheese.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe recommends half a pound of grated cheese, such as 2 percent Colby Jack.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the dish is heated through and the cheese has melted.
Should I cover the pasta bake while it's in the oven?
Yes, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much before the center is heated through.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like squash and mushrooms to the meat or sauce layers.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can divide the recipe into two bakes and freeze one for a quick meal later.
How do I achieve a crispy texture on top?
To get a crispier top, use a light hand with the sauce on the final layer of noodles before adding the cheese.
What side dish pairs well with this bake?
Toasted garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment for this complete meal.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is a family-friendly dish that is easy to prepare and generally appeals to both children and adults.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Given the 1 pound of meat and 1 pound of pasta in a 9x13 dish, it typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Why is this called a lasagna alternative?
It provides the same flavors and layers as lasagna but uses standard pasta shapes, which are often easier to work with than large noodles.
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken is a great lean alternative that works well with flavored pasta sauces.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch Pyrex or ceramic baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Can I use regular cottage cheese?
Yes, while the recipe specifies fat-free, regular or low-fat cottage cheese will also work perfectly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I use different types of cheese for the topping?
Yes, feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or any meltable cheese you prefer.
How much pasta sauce is needed?
One 20-ounce can of pasta sauce is required for the various layers and the base.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, boiling the pasta in salted water ensures the noodles are seasoned from the inside out.